17 charged in Oregon illegal firearms, drug crackdown—US Atty says 'it's personal' after nephew was victim of gun violence

The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, records show. The alleged offenses occurred in the Portland metro area.

The five-week operation dubbed “Cascade Reign” included undercover buys from drug dealers who sold the investigators fentanyl, methamphetamine, and powder and crack cocaine, authorities said. Portland has been inundated with open-air drug use for nearly a decade. More than 100 pounds of drugs were seized during the operation.

Additionally, 97 guns were confiscated by agents from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), working alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local police departments. The firearms seized included shotguns, handguns, and one machine gun, according to federal officials.

US Attorney Scott Bradford told reporters during a press conference that the operation was personal, noting that his nephew was a victim of the city’s gun violence earlier this year.

“Every gun seized is a life saved. Every gram seized is a life saved. This operation sends a clear message: If you traffic illegal guns or deadly narcotics in our communities, you will be held accountable,” said Bradford. “By working closely with our federal and local partners, we removed dangerous firearms and destructive drugs from our streets and put a stop to criminal activity that threatens the safety of every Oregonian. We will continue using every tool available to protect our neighborhoods and ensure those who endanger our community face justice.”

Robert Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Seattle Field Division, added: “Drug trafficking and violence go hand in hand, putting innocent lives and entire communities at risk. DEA is committed to reducing violence in America’s most affected cities.”

ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais emphasized that Portland’s violent crime impacts both residents and visitors. “Violent crime is not only a threat to innocent lives but also to our way of life,” he said. “By removing trafficked firearms and dangerous drugs from the streets of Portland, we have made a meaningful difference, most notably for the residents, students, and visitors to this community.”

The 17 defendants indicted on charges ranging from distribution of drugs and gun trafficking to transferring firearms for use in a felony and possessing guns in furtherance of drug trafficking are: Steven Hatcher, Aaron Stauffera, Manuel Bernal, Jay Williams Gimbal Reynolds, Oscar Yanez, Anthony Connelly, Jeanni Crane, Francisco Claudillo-Dimas, Kenneth Hamilton, Makayla Williams, Gus Wayne, Ryan Grant, Carlos Ruiz-Perez, Melanee Bybee, Michael Hoeft, Kristy Roberts, and Thomas Dingus.

The US Attorney's Office told The Post Millennial that all 17 defendants are US citizens.